Who Leontes is
Leontes rules Sicilia, where he welcomes his boyhood friend Polixenes, the King of Bohemia, for an extended visit. When Polixenes wants to return home, Leontes asks his pregnant wife, Hermione, to persuade their guest to stay.
Hermione succeeds, but Leontes suddenly treats her warmth toward Polixenes as evidence of betrayal. No letter, rumor, or secret enemy gives him reason to suspect either of them.
What Leontes wants
Once jealousy takes hold, Leontes seeks confirmation of what he already believes. He orders his loyal lord Camillo to poison Polixenes, but Camillo warns the visiting king instead. Their escape strengthens Leontes' suspicion rather than making him question his command.
Leontes and the others in the story
Leontes' distrust reaches beyond his marriage and friendship into his ties with his children. He doubts that Hermione's unborn child is his and watches his young son Mamillius with suspicion.
Paulina, Hermione's loyal lady, challenges him openly and tries to soften him by bringing him the newborn girl. His refusal to listen makes the court a place where truth struggles against royal certainty.
Questions
Who is Leontes in The Winter's Tale?
Leontes is Sicilia's king, Hermione's husband, and the boyhood friend of King Polixenes.
Why does Leontes become jealous?
His jealousy has no sound basis in the story. He sees Hermione persuade Polixenes to stay and wrongly takes their friendliness as a sign of an affair.
How does Camillo respond to Leontes' command?
Camillo refuses to carry out Leontes' order to poison Polixenes. He warns Polixenes and escapes with him to Bohemia.